CCLS Chief Financial Officer

Reports to 

Executive Director 

FLSA Status
Full-Time, Exempt (Non-Union position)

Application Deadline  

Until Filled

Salary 

$120,000 - $150,000 per year

About Central California Legal Services (CCLS)

CCLS is a private, not-for-profit, public interest law firm established for the purpose of providing civil legal assistance to low-income individuals, families, and communities. Our dedicated team of over 90 professionals operates from offices located in Fresno, Merced, Visalia, Mendota and Los Banos, ensuring equal access to justice for many in the Central Valley.

The Position

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a member of the senior leadership team and has three direct reports, including the Controller, Fiscal Officer and Fiscal Clerk. The CFO is expected to work in the Fresno HQ office, with some hybrid flexibility available.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Support

• Manage and support the Finance team, ensuring they are equipped with work plans, priorities, training and accountability for controls.
• Participate in and support the Executive Director/CEO in meetings, providing relevant information as necessary.

Financial Planning & Reporting 

• Ensure timely financial statements for the management/board, accurate budgets, and close monitoring of budget vs. actual.
• Facilitate and own the annual budget process (operating expenses, capital expenditures, and grant/program budgets).

 Grant (Fund) Accounting

• Manage grant accounting for all grants. Ensure staff time and all applicable expenses are properly allocated; manage grants, receivables, and deferred revenue.
• Partner with the Chief Program Officer on grant compliance matters.

Governance & Controls 

• Develop and implement improved financial systems, policies, and accounting controls; ensure compliance with policies, separation of duties, GAAP, and applicable regulations.
• Serve as the board liaison for finance matters.

Compensation, Benefits, Risk Management & Insurance

• Partner with the General Counsel on compensation, benefits and insurance matters. 

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business management, or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of finance experience within a complex government-funded nonprofit organization in a comparable management role. 
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP accounting principles.
• Advanced financial operations expertise, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, financial statement preparation, reporting, and account reconciliations.
• Hands on operational skills, A/P, A/R management, a bias for detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and relationship building skills.
• Microsoft Office proficiency and extensive experience using various accounting software platforms and financial systems.

Nice to Have/Highly Preferred

• MBA and/or CPA.
• Prior comparable experience in an LSC-funded legal aid. 

Benefits

CCLS provides a generous benefits package that supports employees’ and overall, well-being inclusive of medical, dental, and vision coverage, tax-advantaged FSA, a retirement plan, and more! Employees also benefit from generous paid time off, professional development support and flexible or hybrid work schedules.